Boat Hire Melbourne FAQs & Terms
Answers and booking conditions for Aquadonut and Spaceship self-drive boat hire in Melbourne, including passenger limits, BYO rules, weather, safety, bonds and cancellations.
Important: Safety, passenger limits, alcohol, weather and conduct rules are non-negotiable. Contact us before booking if you are unsure which boat, route or departure time suits your group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Money-back guarantee
If you are dissatisfied within the first 30 minutes of your boat outing, we will provide an unconditional refund.
How many passengers can an Aquadonut accommodate?
Our Aquadonut BBQ self-drive boats can seat up to 10 guests. Babies under 12 months do not count as a guest. Safety and government passenger limits are non-negotiable, and additional guests will be refused.
How many passengers can a Spaceship boat accommodate?
Spaceships can carry up to 12 guests. These deluxe BBQ boats can be self-driven on approved routes and are suitable for Yarra River tours. We recommend a four-hour booking if you want time to explore the upper Yarra. Spaceships have a flat floor, upholstered seating, two tables and weather protection. No boat licence is required for approved self-drive hire. Bay cruising to St Kilda may be available subject to conditions and route approval.
What’s included in the BBQ pack?
The optional BBQ pack costs $25 and includes the BBQ and gas, eco-friendly plates, cups, knives and forks, cooking oil, tongs, a rubbish bag and foil for Halal or Kosher cooking requirements.
Is BYO food and drink permitted?
Yes. You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks aboard, subject to the alcohol and conduct rules below.
Can an Aquadonut cruise the Yarra River?
Self-drive Aquadonuts are restricted to Victoria Harbour. Choose a Spaceship boat for Yarra River cruising or approved bay cruising.
How far can we cruise on a Spaceship?
From Victoria Harbour, approved Spaceship routes may follow the Yarra past Southbank, Polly Woodside, Federation Square, Crown Casino, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the tennis centre, Cremorne, Toorak, Kooyong, Glen Iris, Malvern East, Herring Island, Burnley, Hawthorn, Richmond and Leonda by the Yarra. Your permitted route will be confirmed during the safety briefing.
Can we decorate the boat?
Yes. You may add suitable decorations, and a decoration service can be ordered when booking. Decorations must not damage the boat or interfere with safety equipment or visibility.
Is boat hire safe and suitable for children and seniors?
Aquadonuts and Spaceships are stable and suitable for a wide range of ages, including babies and grandparents. Tell us in advance how many children under 10 will be aboard, as they must wear an approved personal flotation device. Babies are welcome and do not require medical consultation.
Do I need a boat licence?
No boat licence is required for approved self-drive Aquadonut and Spaceship hire. The nominated driver must complete the safety briefing and provide valid photo identification.
What is the minimum driver age?
The nominated self-drive operator must be at least 18 years old and provide valid photo identification.
What should we bring?
Bring your own food and drinks and dress for Melbourne weather. Conditions on the water can feel up to 10°C cooler because of wind chill, so bring an extra layer.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We provide a bad-weather rescheduling guarantee for pre-booked hire. If conditions prevent safe boating, you may reschedule within the following 12 months without an administration fee. Safety decisions use Bureau of Meteorology forecasts and warnings. Boats will not operate when winds exceed safe limits, during storms or when other unsafe conditions apply. Weather-related refunds are not normally provided unless agreed in writing before booking.
Is there shade or weather protection?
Aquadonuts have a large waterproof umbrella that provides shade and protection from light drizzle, but they do not operate in rain or strong winds. Bring a hat in hot weather because the umbrella may need to remain closed in strong wind. Spaceships provide partial shade and greater weather protection.
Can we drink alcohol?
The nominated driver must comply with Victorian marine alcohol limits. A zero limit applies to drivers under 21, and a 0.05 limit applies to eligible drivers aged 21 or over. Passengers may consume alcohol moderately. Unsafe, intoxicated or abusive behaviour can end the booking and forfeit the security deposit. Illegal drug use is prohibited and may be reported to police.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, pets are welcome. They must stay off upholstered seats, remain under control and any mess must be cleaned. Additional cleaning charges may apply.
Booking Terms & Conditions
How do I pay, and is there a public-holiday surcharge?
Full payment by credit card is required when booking. A $500 security deposit is required before boarding unless the $25 bond-waiver option is purchased. Public-holiday surcharges may apply to cover hospitality award rates.
What happens if my plans change?
Bookings may be rescheduled with at least four days notice. Refunds are not provided. Changes requested within four days attract a $50 administration charge. Bad-weather rescheduling on the day does not attract an administration fee.
What are the security bond and insurance conditions?
A $500 security bond applies per Aquadonut or Spaceship unless a bond waiver has been purchased. The bond contributes toward insurance excess, damage, cleaning, late return and breaches of the hire conditions. It must be arranged before departure. The hirer remains responsible for damage to the boat or third-party property during the hire and must report any incident immediately.
When is the security bond returned?
Credit-card bonds are processed as a pre-authorisation rather than a withdrawal. Release commonly takes 8–15 business days and timing is controlled by the card issuer or bank. A cash bond can be returned after the boat is inspected and confirmed to have been returned on time, undamaged and in accordance with the hire conditions.
Is music available on board?
Aquadonuts include a Bluetooth sound system, with optional karaoke available on selected sessions. Spaceships include a built-in stereo.
When can a booking be terminated?
All drivers must complete the safety briefing. If the briefer reasonably determines that a guest cannot safely operate the boat, a skipper may be required at the hirer’s expense. A booking may be terminated without refund for reckless driving, endangering people, abusive or antisocial behaviour, public or police complaints, indecent conduct, collision, failure to render assistance or other serious safety breaches.
Still have a question?
Contact the Aquadonut team before booking, or check live availability for your preferred Melbourne boat hire date.
